Four must-do ski trips in BC

Skiing and snowboarding in British Columbia belongs on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. BC’s legendary powder, the wide-open terrain with minimal crowds, and the diverse ski experiences available make skiing here the stuff of dreams. Add in a ski-town culture that emphasizes connection with welcoming locals and with nature well after the lifts close down, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable adventure.

Here are four of the best multi-resort BC ski trips that allow you to maximize your time on and off the slopes.

Silver Star Mountain Resort near Vernon boasts wide-open runs perfect for cruising with plenty of elbow room. Ski right up to the well-planned, mid-mountain village and visit Bugaboos Bakery for a post-run bowl of delicious homemade soup, or Elevate Spa for a rejuvenating massage.

Just north of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort is home to a slopeside pedestrian-only village, encircled by the mountain trio of Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey. At Canada’s second-largest ski area, you’re spoiled for choice with 144 trails that include deep steeps and long cruisers. Trade in the downhills for cross-country adventures on a pristine Nordic trail network, or head out with a team of Alaskan huskies on a dog sledding tour.

In Golden, skiing has been part of the town’s fabric for more than a century thanks to Swiss guides who introduced a mountaineering culture that still thrives today. Just a few minutes out of town is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which showcases a wide variety of terrain, from open groomers lower on the mountain to hiking-accessible steeps and bowls that push even the most seasoned athletes. For a next-level dining experience, book a table at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest-elevation dining experience with unforgettable views in every direction.

An hour east of Rossland is the charming town of Nelson, only 20 minutes from Whitewater Mountain Resort, known for its thriving arts and music scene. A quick jaunt up the summit chair takes you to some ahhh-inspiring tree skiing that doesn’t get immediately tracked out. And you can make tracks all day thanks to amazing on-mountain food that has garnered a fervent following, even spawning its own cookbook series.

Next head over Kootenay Pass into the Purcell Range to Kimberley, a resort that’s been in operation since 1948. Nowadays, guests can stay in a variety of slopeside accommodations that provide incredible value, especially when factoring in the extended-hours night skiing from Thursday to Saturday.

Farther east is Fernie Alpine Resort, known for its legendary five bowls and its status as one of the snowiest ski destinations in Canada. A must? Ride the chairlift to the top of Polar Peak, and feel the thrill of a 1,052-m (7,000-ft) vertical drop.

Turn north into the heart of the Purcell Range to reach Panorama Mountain Resort‘s immaculate slopes away from any hustle or bustle. After a full day on the mountain, resort guests can unwind at the Panorama Springs Pools. Choose from a variety of pool sizes and temperatures to get the body primed and ready for another day of impressive views and 1,280 m (4,200 ft) of vertical descent.

Over on the mainland, 90 minutes from downtown Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to world-renowned Whistler Blackcomb. The two mountains—Whistler and Blackcomb—together boast North America’s largest in-bounds terrain at over 8,000 acres, consistently rank among the top resorts on the planet. After the lifts close the fun heats up in the Whistler Village, with a huge number of restaurants and a nightlife scene that welcomes ski boots well into the early morning hours. Prefer a more refined activity? Whistler is also home to a thriving cultural scene led by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and the Audain Art Museum, both only a few minutes’ walk from the lifts.

Find out more about skiing in British Columbia, and be sure to check DriveBC before heading out on any road trip and be aware of the winter tire and chain regulations across the province from October 1 to April 30.